Wondering what to do or how to decorate your small house? Here are some tips:

Use Windows to Enlarge a Small RoomWindows can be a strong tool in visually enlarging a small room. Take advantage of this liberating effect by leaving windows bare, or dress windows with draperies that match the color of the walls to eliminate boundaries and open the space. For privacy, install simple shades or blinds that can be pulled out of the way during the day.

Choose Small-Scale FurnishingsChoose neatly upholstered pieces with compact frames and slimmed-down, leggy pieces without skirted bottoms which allow you to see through the walls and floors. A pair of low-profile chairs eliminates heavy arms to take up visual space and interrupt movement through the conversation area. An open area under the lightweight side table gives the illusion of space. Also petite upholstered stools maintain the small scale.

White & LightTo give your room the illusion of spaciousness, bathe it in white. Yes, white surfaces bounce light around the room, keeping a small space feeling bright and open. It also allow the eye to roam freely over surfaces, stopping only at points of contrast like wood.

Add Mirrors to Small SpacesPut some large mirrors with or without a decorative frame (or prop it against a wall) to create the illusion of depth in a small room. Even small mirrors expand the sense of space by reflecting views and light, but an oversize mirror like this one has a dramatic effect because it reflects a large chunk of the room.

Fewer Color the BetterToo many colors can be chaotic. Select a few and stick with them.

Lines for Wider RoomsExpand a small room visually by wrapping the walls with wide horizontal stripes. You can achieve the effect by painting horizontal stripes on plain walls. Use light colors to maintain a bright, open scheme and similar tones so the stripes are noticeable but don't visually break up the space.